Residual toxicant detection device
A residual toxicant detection device for testing residual toxicant in an aqueous solution is disclosed, which includes a first space cavity, a second space cavity, a connecting frame and a sensing cavity. The first space cavity includes a light source and a lens. The second space cavity includes a photo sensor and a circuit module. The connecting frame is configured to connect the first space cavity and the second space cavity. The sensing cavity for receiving an aqueous solution is formed between the first space cavity and the second space cavity and at one side of the connecting frame. The light source emits a light with a wavelength range. The photo sensor receives the sensing signal of the light passing through the sensing cavity. The circuit module is configured to calculate the absorbance and the variation in absorbance of the residual toxicants in the aqueous solution.
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This application claims the benefit of Taiwan application Ser. No. 108142432, filed Nov. 22, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe disclosure is related to a residual toxicant detection technology, and is more particularly related to a residual toxicant detection device for detecting the variation of toxicant in an aqueous solution.
BACKGROUNDMost of the food inspection is based on sampling inspection. Under the circumstances when food safety has attracted people's close attention, the detection of residual toxicants becomes a very important issue. For example, when fruit and vegetables are harvested, there may be pesticide residuals on their surface. However, people seldom perform detections to make sure whether there are any pesticide residuals on the fruit and vegetables.
The most commonly used methods for detecting residual toxicants include the biochemical method and the spectrum method. In the biochemical method, the fast screening test is based on biochemical enzyme inhibition and requires a fixed specimen sampling and a biochemical enzyme reaction and therefore has a low level of acceptability to consumers. The most commonly used biochemical methods can only be used to detect pesticides formed of organophosphorus and carbamates, and cannot be used to detect all pesticides. Besides, the biochemical method further has the problem of incorrectness of detection, and may be unable to effectively detect the banned pesticides in particular. Considering that general people will detect residual toxicants at home, the biochemical method is lowly applicable for the detection of residual toxicants at home since it requires many complicated procedures similar to that performed in laboratory.
The spectrum method determines the variety and the concentration of the pesticides according to spectrum comparison. Given that there are more than 300 registered pesticides in use, database comparison requires a large volume of data and therefore involves a high level of difficulty. Besides, the spectrum method cannot avoid quantitative sampling, and therefore it is lowly acceptable to consumers. Moreover, both the liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry connected in series (LC/MS/MS) test and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) test are very expensive and time-consuming, and therefore they cannot be used widely.
Therefore, it has become a prominent task for people of the technology field to provide a residual toxicant detection technology, which is suitable to be used at home and capable of effectively monitoring whether the residual toxicant of the pesticides is removed without damaging the object under detection or consuming a large volume of power.
SUMMARYThe disclosure is directed to provide a residual toxicant detection mechanism and a device using the detection mechanism. The detection device uses the absorbance and the variation in absorbance of the residual toxicants continuously detected in a water solution as a basis for determining whether the removal of the residual toxicant in the water solution meets a predetermined standard. The detection device is suitable for the detection of residual toxicants at home.
According to one embodiment, a residual toxicant detection device for testing a residual toxicant in an aqueous solution is disclosed. The residual toxicant detection device includes a first space cavity, a second space cavity, a connecting frame and a sensing cavity. The first space cavity includes a light source and a lens. The second space cavity includes a photo sensor and a circuit module. The connecting frame is configured to connect the first space cavity and the second space cavity. The sensing cavity for receiving an aqueous solution is formed between the first space cavity and the second space cavity and on one side of the connecting frame. The light source emits a light with a specific wavelength range. The photo sensor receives the sensing signal of the light passing through the sensing cavity. The circuit module is configured to calculate the absorbance and the variation in absorbance of the residual toxicants in the aqueous solution.
According to the residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure, the absorbance of the residual toxicant in a water solution is detected through a photo sensing mechanism. The residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure is handheld type and can be placed into the aqueous solution. The residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure performs detection after the aqueous solution enters the detection cavity, and then displays the detection result through lamp indication. The residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure can be used for the detection of residual toxicants at home. Furthermore, with the integrated design, the residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure not only provides waterproof and wireless charging capabilities, but also achieves a high degree of practicality. Additionally, the design of combining the LED light source with the lens further reduces the cost.
The above and other aspects of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following detailed description of the preferred but non-limiting embodiment (s). The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe technical content of the present invention is disclosed below in a number of embodiments with accompanying drawings. Any person ordinary skilled in the technology of the present invention can easily understand the advantages and effects of the present disclosure through the specification. The present disclosure can also be implemented or applied in other embodiments.
Refer to
Refer to
Refer to
The light source 11 can be separated from the lens 12 by a fix distance D through the fixing ring disclosed above or other methods, such as a frame (not illustrated), such that after the light emitted by the light source 11 passes through the lens 12, the light will be nearly parallel light and enter the sensing cavity 9 pass through the first window 14. In an embodiment, the substrate 10 can be a substrate with cooling function capable of downwardly dissipating the heat generated the light source 11.
In order to detect as many toxicants as possible, the light source 11 can emit a light with a specific wavelength range. Also, the light source 11 can be a surface mounted device (SMD) LED, but the invention is not limited thereto. The light emitted by the light source 11 has a specific wavelength range. In an embodiment, examples of the specific wavelength range include 220˜240 nanometers, 250˜270 nanometers, and 270˜290 nanometers. Moreover, the lens 12 can be a semi-spherical lens formed by plastic injection molding, but the invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, if the lens 12 is a semi-spherical lens and has a diameter of 5 mm (ø5 mm), the fix distance D between the light source 11 and the lens will be set to a range of 1.1 mm-1.4 mm, such that the photo sensor can receive the maximum sensing signal.
Refer to
Refer to
As indicated in
Relevant functions and operations of the circuit module 41 are indicated in
Furthermore, the micro-controller 411 is configured to control the operation of the light source 431 through the light source on/off circuit 416. In the present embodiment, the light source on/off circuit 416 is configured to control the light source 431. The analog amplifier circuit 415 is connected to the photo sensor 432 for amplifying the sensing signal of the photo sensor. Moreover, the reading unit 4112 of the micro-controller is configured to read the sensing signal from the photo sensor at a fixed time interval. The memory unit 4113 of the micro-controller is configured to store the sensing signal. The micro-controller of the operation unit 4114 is configured to calculate the variation in absorbance according to the sensing signal and a correction value. In an embodiment, the correction value (which includes voltage or power can also be referred as background value) can be obtained before the photo sensor performs detection. That is, the value of the sensing signal can be obtained in the absence of a to-be-tested object. The absorbance can be calculated according to formula (1).
Absorbance=N*log(detection value/correction value) (1)
Wherein, N is a variable, and the detection value is the value of the sensing signal obtained when the photo sensor performs detection (includes voltage or power), and a detection result can be generated according to the variable N and the detection value. The transmission unit 4115 of the micro-controller 411 is configured to transmit the detection result to the display unit or other external device. The external device can be a corresponding device or an electronic device such as mobile phone, microcomputer, PC table or notebook. In an embodiment, the power module 42 can output a DC voltage to the charging circuit 412.
In an embodiment as indicated in
In an embodiment, the sensing cavity 9 of the residual toxicant detection device 100 is the first space cavity 1, the second space cavity 2, and the sensing cavity 9 formed between the sensing cavity cover 7 and the connecting frame 6, and the aqueous solution can flow within the sensing cavity. The sensing cavity cover 7 has a plurality of holes 72 formed thereon (as indicated in
Furthermore, when the aqueous solution passes through the sensing cavity 9, the residual toxicant in the water solution will react with the light with a specific wavelength range such that the absorbance changes. The photo sensor will sense the light with a specific wavelength range passing through the sensing cavity and generate a sensing signal. Then, a detection result can be generated according to the sensing signal.
The residual toxicant detection device 100 further includes a wireless charging module (not illustrated), which can work with an external device to perform wireless charging function, and the generated power can be stored in the battery 19.
To perform detection, the light source 11 and the photo sensor 16 can be respectively disposed on two sides of the sensing cavity 9 such that the light emitted by the light source 11 will pass through the sensing cavity 9 and be sensed by the photo sensor 16. In the present embodiment, one light source 11 and one photo sensor 16 are exemplified, but the invention is not limited thereto. Plural light sources and photo sensors can be respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the first space cavity 1 and the second space cavity 2.
According to the present disclosure, the variation in absorbance of the residual toxicants in the aqueous solution is calculated according to the sensing signal, and the determination mechanism is: increasing the cumulative count of detection if the variation in absorbance of the aqueous solution is less than a threshold value, and sending the detection result if the cumulative count of detection is greater than or is equivalent to a predetermined threshold. There is no need to know the variety of the toxicant in the aqueous solution. By detecting the variation in absorbance of the aqueous object in the aqueous solution, the removal efficiency of the residual toxicant in the aqueous solution can be obtained. Since the absorbance of the aqueous solution will continuously change during the cleaning process of the aqueous object, the detection device can continue with detection until the variation in absorbance is less than the predetermined threshold and reaches a particular cumulative count. If the predetermined count has been reached for several times, this implies that the residual toxicant of the aqueous object is already lower than the predetermined standard.
In an embodiment, the residual toxicant detection device calculates the variation in absorbance of the residual toxicants in the aqueous solution according to the sensing signal. Refer to
As disclosed above, the detection method of the present disclosure is easy and simple without having to compare the database containing a large volume of toxicant data, and is therefore suitable for the use of ordinary people.
Refer to
To summarize, the residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure detects the variation of residual toxicants in a water solution according to a photo sensing mechanism. The residual toxicant detection device can be directly placed in the aqueous solution, which will naturally flow to the detection cavity. There is no need for the device to consume power for sampling. Furthermore, the detection result is displayed through indicators. The residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure is suitable for ordinary families to detect residual toxicants at home. Also, through the design of combining the lens and the optical path, the residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure at least doubles the utilization rate of the light. On one hand, the detection limit is increased. On the other hand, the design of combining the design of combining the SMD LED light source with the lens further reduces the cost. The residual toxicant detection device of the present disclosure not only provides waterproof and wireless charging capabilities, but also achieves a high degree of practicality.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A residual toxicant detection device, comprising:
- a first space cavity, comprising: a light source configured to emit a light with a specific wavelength range and disposed on a substrate; a lens separated from the light source by a first distance; and a fixing ring whose top configured to fix the lens, wherein the fixing ring has a funnel-shaped structure at an end by which the fixing ring fixes the lens, and a side wall of the funnel-shaped structure has an angle of inclination extended upwards at a part close to the light source:
- a second space cavity, comprising: a photo sensor configured to receive the light with the specific wavelength range and obtain a sensing signal; and a circuit module electrically connected to the light source and the photo sensor;
- a connecting frame configured to connect the first space cavity and the second space cavity; and
- a sensing cavity formed between the first space cavity and the second space cavity and on one side of the connecting frame and configured to receiving an aqueous solution, wherein the light emitted by the light source of the first space cavity passes through the sensing cavity to enter the photo sensor of the second space cavity.
2. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, wherein a bottom of the fixing ring is further configured to fix the light source such that the light source and the lens maintain the first distance.
3. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, wherein the angle of inclination of 30°.
4. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit module calculates an absorbance of the residual toxicant in the aqueous solution according to the sensing signal.
5. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit module calculates a variation in the absorbance of the residual toxicants in the aqueous solution by continuously detecting the aqueous solution in the sensing cavity by use of the light source and the photo sensor.
6. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a battery configured to provide power for the light source, the photo sensor and the circuit module.
7. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, wherein the light source and the photo sensor are respectively disposed on two sides of the sensing cavity, or disposed on two opposite sides of the first space cavity and the second space cavity.
8. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a display unit disposed on an outer surface of the second space cavity and configured to displaying different colors according to a variation in the absorbance.
9. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, wherein the second space cavity further comprises a switch button configured to activate an operation of the residual toxicant detection device.
10. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a sensing cavity cover configured to cover the sensing cavity.
11. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 10, wherein the sensing cavity cover comprises a plurality of holes which are arranged neatly or alternately.
12. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 11, wherein an area of a first opening of the holes on an outer surface of the sensing cavity cover is greater than an area of a second opening of the holes on an inner surface of the sensing cavity cover.
13. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 11, wherein a shape of the holes is circular, squared, rectangular or hexagonal.
14. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a dust-proof cap configured to cover the first space cavity, the sensing cavity and the connecting frame.
15. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, wherein the first space cavity further comprises a bottom lid and a waterproof ring.
16. The residual toxicant detection device according to claim 1, wherein the light source and the photo sensor are plural.
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- Taiwanese Office Action and Search Report, dated Aug. 5, 2020, for Taiwanese Application No. 108142432.
Type: Grant
Filed: Dec 27, 2019
Date of Patent: Sep 7, 2021
Patent Publication Number: 20210156791
Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE (Hsinchu)
Inventors: Chih-Hao Hsu (Taipei), Jui-Hung Tsai (Toufen), Ying-Hao Wang (Pingtung County), Chia-Jung Chang (Douliu)
Primary Examiner: Jamil Ahmed
Application Number: 16/728,963
International Classification: G01N 21/25 (20060101);